RIM to Exclusively Preview New BlackBerrys to Members of Parliament

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RIM to Exclusively Preview New BlackBerrys to Members of Parliament

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According to a report by theCanadian Press, RIM has sent out invites to select Members of Parliament (MPs) to preview their upcoming BlackBerry 10 models on November 7th, seen as a move to build buzz for government officials, one of their largest remaining customers. RIM will host MPs at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier where company executives will be on hand to demonstrate and chat about the new BlackBerry models:

Invitations were sent to MPs, their assistants, members of Industry Canada, and regional caucus members.

“Get a sneak peek of BlackBerry 10, the next generation mobile platform that will change everything,” the invitation reads.

“You’re invited to join BlackBerry Government Forum 2012 for an exclusive invite-only presentation.”

Apple’s iPhones remain the most popular cellphones in Canada according to comScore, but on Parliament Hill, the BlackBerry still remains relevant as new MPs are issued the device as part of the job. Although popular as smartphones with MPs, RIM’s Playbook remains non-existent as iPads continue to be seen being used on the job instead.

The special invite by RIM is seen as move to retain government contracts for BlackBerrys, as more and more corporate customers move away to iPhone and Android smartphones as options for employees. RIM was once the dominant smartphone vendor but its ongoing lack of innovation and repeatedly delayed dismal handsets have resulted in the company now setting its sights on climbing into third spot in marketshare, as noted recently by CEO Thorsten Heins:

“We have a clear shot at being the number three platform on the market. We’re not just another open platform on the market, we are BlackBerry.”